Land promotion

Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

Career opportunities in land promotion

The best place to develop your career

Join our family…

We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents.  We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.

We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.  

We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.

In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Holly Rush

Development Management Trainee

"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”

Careers in land

Want to be a part of our team?

Career opportunities in land promotion

Account Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Engineering

Application Deadline: 31-12-2025

Account Manager (Technical) – Facilities ManagementLocation: LondonClient: JLLAre you an experienced FM professional with a passion for client relationships and technical excellence? WPS is seeking a Technical Account Manager to join our team, delivering outstanding service for our prestigious client.What you’ll be doing: Act as the primary point of contact, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction Oversee technical service delivery across multiple sites, maintaining compliance and operational standards Manage budgets, reporting, and performance metrics to drive efficiency Lead on planned and reactive maintenance strategies, ensuring seamless execution Build strong relationships with stakeholders and provide expert technical guidanceWhat we’re looking for: Proven experience in Facilities Management with strong technical knowledge Excellent client-facing and communication skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure Commercial awareness and experience in budget managementWhat’s in it for you? Competitive salary and benefits package Opportunity to work with a leading FM provider and a global client Career development and progression within WPSGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Senior Design Manager

Location: Cambridge

Job Type: Design

Application Deadline: 19-12-2025

Wates are looking for a Senior Design Manager to join our Construction Team in the South focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors. If you are passionate about design, working within a team environment and with proven technical skills looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Senior Design Managers are a valuable part of our business, driving quality outcomes, enhancing buildability and fostering innovation. Senior Design Managers work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists to ensure that the design develops in accordance with the brief with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice. As our Senior Design Manager, you will: Review the current design of all projects and undertake detailed risk and opportunities appraisal to mitigating risk, enhance buildability and add value prior to construction phase In collaboration with the project team, Lead Designer and Consultant Team, produce and manage a realistic design programme and information required schedule, to satisfy design, procurement, and construction requirements. Work closely with the Commercial and Operations Teams to ensure all design deliverables are fully coordinated, buildable and within budget. Contribute to technical workshops, value management exercises as required to align expectations in this respect WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Commercial Manager

Location: Finsbury Park

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 13-01-2026

🌟 Commercial Manager – WPS Business Unit 🌟📍 Location: Finsbury Park (Hybrid Working)We are looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to join our WPS business unit. This is a pivotal role providing strong leadership, governance, and commercial excellence across all activities – both pre- and post-contract – for a portfolio of projects or a single large project.You will play a key part in work winning and operational delivery, ensuring commercial success while developing high-performing teams and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, consultants, and the supply chain.✨ Key Responsibilities 👥 Leadership & Strategy: Active member of the Business Leadership Team, driving strategy on operational delivery, customer engagement, commercial excellence, and repeat business. Champion change initiatives and contribute to business unit objectives. 💼 Commercial Excellence: Ensure compliance with legislation, regulations, and group policies across all contracts. Deliver robust financial performance, including profit plans, cash management, and risk mitigation. Provide accurate and timely commercial reporting to clients and senior management. 🌱 People Development: Lead and develop talented commercial teams, implementing training programmes to encourage high performance and retention. Support succession planning and career development across the business unit. 🤝 Customer Engagement: Build strong relationships with customers, influencing decision-making and promoting the Wates brand. Identify market opportunities and develop strategies to secure repeat business. 🌍 Corporate Responsibility: Drive sustainability and CR initiatives, sharing best practice and leading workshops. ✅ About You Advanced knowledge of contract conditions, subcontracts, consultant appointments, and bidding policies. Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing governance and compliance. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Proven ability to deliver complex projects and influence at senior level.🚀 This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading organisation, shaping commercial strategy and driving operational excellence.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting One of the Recruitment Team will then be in contact to advise of next steps.

Resident Liaison Officer

Location: Coalville

Job Type: Customer Service

Application Deadline: 25-12-2025

WPS are seeking an experienced Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) to join our team delivering planned retrofit works across North West Leicestershire. This is a key role ensuring excellent communication and support for residents throughout energy efficiency improvement projects.You will act as the main point of contact for residents, ensuring they are fully informed and comfortable with the works taking place in their homes. The projects include External Wall Insulation (EWI), Solar PV installations, and Air Source Heat Pumps, so experience in similar schemes is idealKey Responsibilities Serve as the primary liaison between residents and the project team. Provide clear, timely communication about planned works, schedules, and any potential disruptions. Conduct pre-works visits and consultations to explain processes and address concerns. Manage resident queries and resolve issues promptly and professionally. Maintain accurate records of communications and appointments. Support vulnerable residents to ensure their needs are met during works. Work closely with site teams to coordinate access and minimise inconvenience.Requirements Proven experience as an RLO in planned works, ideally within retrofit or energy efficiency projects. Strong knowledge of measures such as EWI, Solar PV, and Air Source Heat Pumps. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across LE67 and wider North West Leicestershire.What We Offer Competitive salary and benefits package. Opportunity to work on innovative sustainability projects improving energy efficiency. Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting